Name: Spicy Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or substitute 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari); 1/4 cup water; 3 tablespoons sriracha (paleo recommended); 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (unseasoned); 2 tablespoons SunButter No Sugar Added (almond butter or peanut butter work as substitutes); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil); 1 pound shrimp (raw, peeled and deveined); 1 head butter lettuce (sometimes called Boston Bibb; romaine or leaf lettuce can also be used); 1 cup carrot (shredded or julienne cut); 1 cup cucumber (julienne cut); 1 cup red cabbage (or red bell pepper, shredded or sliced thinly); Cilantro (optional, for garnish); Green onions (optional, sliced for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

If you love bold flavors packed into a light and refreshing bite, you are going to fall head over heels for this Spicy Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It combines the sweetness of shrimp with a fiery, tangy sauce, all wrapped up in crisp, cool lettuce leaves that provide a perfect contrast in texture. Every mouthful bursts with layers of savory, spicy, and fresh notes, making it an irresistible dish whether you’re entertaining friends or just craving something healthy and delicious for dinner. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to whip up, so you can enjoy these vibrant wraps any night of the week without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with raw shrimp with grayish-white flesh and dark tails at the bottom right. Above it, there is a jar of SunButter sunflower butter with a yellow lid and label. To the left, six small clear glass bowls are arranged in two columns; the top left bowl contains white sea salt, the top right bowl has light brown ginger powder, the middle left bowl holds amber sesame oil, the middle right bowl holds pale yellow rice vinegar, the bottom left bowl is filled with clear water, and the bottom right bowl contains dark brown coconut aminos. Between the top and middle left bowls, there is a small white bowl with reddish sriracha. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is simple, but each plays a crucial role in creating the magic of this Spicy Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe. From the creamy nuttiness of SunButter to the crisp freshness of red cabbage, the balance of tastes and textures is what makes this dish truly special.

Coconut aminos: Adds a naturally sweet, soy-free umami flavor to the sauce.
Water: Helps mellow the sauce and achieve the perfect consistency.
Sriracha: Brings the signature spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Rice wine vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness.
SunButter (or almond/peanut butter): Offers creamy texture and nutty depth to the sauce.
Honey: Balances the heat with a gentle touch of sweetness.
Ground ginger: Infuses a warm, aromatic spice essential to Asian flavors.
Sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors harmoniously.
Olive oil (or avocado oil): Used for sautéing, imparting a mild, fruity richness.
Shrimp (raw): The star protein, offering juicy, tender bites.
Butter lettuce: Soft, pliable leaves perfect for wrapping.
Carrot (shredded or julienne): Adds crunch and vibrant color.
Cucumber (julienne cut): Brings cool, refreshing crunch.
Red cabbage (or red bell pepper): Provides a crisp texture and stunning purple hue.
Cilantro (optional): Adds a bright, herbaceous note.
Green onions (optional): Lend a mild oniony, fresh bite.
Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Spicy Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the spicy sauce

Start by whisking together the coconut aminos, water, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, SunButter, honey, ground ginger, and sea salt in a small bowl or large measuring cup. This sauce is the soul of your Spicy Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe, delivering a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that cling beautifully to the shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the shrimp

Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add your olive oil. Lay the shrimp out evenly and let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes so they get a nice sear. This step locks in the juicy tenderness that shrimp are known for, setting a luscious base before the sauce joins the party.

Step 3: Simmer shrimp in the sauce

Flip all the shrimp to the other side and immediately pour your spicy Thai-style sauce over them. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for about 5 minutes while stir-frying to coat every shrimp evenly. This simmering bath allows the sauce to thicken slightly and infuse every bite with explosive flavor.

Step 4: Build your lettuce wraps

Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked and coated in the sauce, it’s time to assemble. Spoon the shrimp into the crisp butter lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots, cucumber, red cabbage, and any optional garnishes. The fresh veggies add crunch and balance the spicy richness, making each wrap a well-rounded, vibrant mouthful.

How to Serve Spicy Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe

The dish shows a close-up of a white plate with a fresh green lettuce leaf as the base layer, topped with bright orange and pale yellow thin carrot and cucumber sticks along with purple cabbage strips all arranged on the left side. On the right side, there are three golden brown cooked shrimp pieces with a shiny glaze sprinkled with white sesame seeds. A small white bowl filled with a smooth light brown dipping sauce, sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds, is placed near the shrimp, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Spicy Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe, consider sprinkling sesame seeds or chopped nuts for extra texture. Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions brighten up each bite, delivering herbal freshness that perfectly complements the bold shrimp and sauce flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete for attention. Think steamed jasmine rice, a refreshing cucumber salad, or a light miso soup. These gentle companions help round out your meal while letting the wraps shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your wraps deconstructed on a platter with bowls of shrimp, sauce, veggies, and garnishes so everyone can build their own perfect combination. Or try rolling the shrimp mixture into rice paper wrappers for a portable finger food that’s just as tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the cooked shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the lettuce and fresh veggies separate to maintain their crispness and freshness when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

This Spicy Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked shrimp with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. To prevent sogginess, avoid freezing the lettuce and vegetables.

Reheating

Gently reheat the frozen or refrigerated shrimp mixture in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce luscious. Reassemble with fresh lettuce and veggies for that perfect crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce for the wraps?

Absolutely! While butter lettuce is preferred for its softness and pliability, romaine or leaf lettuce both make great substitutes with a bit more crunch and sturdiness to hold the fillings.

Is this recipe spicy for everyone?

The heat level primarily comes from sriracha, so you can easily adjust it to your preference by adding less or more. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or substitute it with a sweet chili sauce.

What if I have a nut allergy?

You can swap SunButter for any seed butter like sunflower seed butter or omit it entirely. The sauce will still have plenty of flavor but with a slightly different texture.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and double-check that your sriracha doesn’t contain gluten. This recipe is naturally gluten-free friendly with those simple substitutions.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

For a plant-based version, try using marinated tofu or tempeh instead of shrimp. The sauce remains just as delicious, and your wraps will still be packed with flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a joyful explosion of flavors and textures that’s bound to become one of your go-to meals. Its quick preparation, fresh ingredients, and irresistible taste make it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these crunchy, spicy bites with people you love!